My sliding window fell out! Bottom bracket rusted away...

[Alison C]

After removing door card to investigate why the opening mechanism for my sliding door wasn't working the sliding window fell out! The bottom runner was completed rusted through along the whole length and no longer attached to the window.

A local VW Van Centre have estimated around £2k to supply and fit a OEM replacement. I assume the other side is in the same state - it's stiff to open and leaks when it rains. So, I would be looking at £4k to replace like for like. With, it would appear from all I have read, the likelyhood of them still leaking in the future.

So, I have been looking for an alternative that will be reliable, watertight and a reasonable price. I came across cornwallvanwindows.com who supply and fit either a flush sliding window, or a recessed one (with the option of a fly screen). These look good, and I am more interested in something that works well than keeping the van looking original, but I am currently in the north of Scotland so couldn't be any further from them.

I have had a day of very helpful phone conversations and now know the manufacturer and have spoken to a wholesaler who has been able to recommend a few suppliers/fitters but all in England.

Have you changed your side windows? Who did you use? Would you recommend recessed or flush - seems the recessed are a larger opening? Do you know of a supplier/fitter in Scotland you would recommend?

Currently sporting a very fetching piece of plywood and sliver gaffer tape filling the hole until I can get this sorted.

And, no further forward, yet, with the opening mechanism issue that I started with...

 

[sidepod]

How old is the van?

 

[Alison C]

How old is the van?

It’s 10 years old. 2015

 

[WelshGas]

It’s 10 years old. 2015

Not an uncommon problem and there are a number of threads on the T4 and T6 forums ( both cover the T5 ).
First off, do you need both Windows to be sliders? Fixed would definitely be waterproof .

 

[Alison C]

Not an uncommon problem and there are a number of threads on the T4 and T6 forums ( both cover the T5 ).
First off, do you need both Windows to be sliders? Fixed would definitely be waterproof .

Yes, I do want both sides to be opening. I've seen posts from people replacing with a fixed window but I don't want to go that route.

I have tried searching for threads but find it challenging to get the right search terms to find the appropriate ones.

 

[WelshGas]

Yes, I do want both sides to be opening. I've seen posts from people replacing with a fixed window but I don't want to go that route.

I have tried searching for threads but find it challenging to get the right search terms to find the appropriate ones.

Personally I would look for a " Restoration " type body shop, not one of the big accident repair centres. VW wouldn't be doing the work . They would farm it out to a 3rd party and add to the cost. If the body shop can repair they will also most likely be able to replace with the window of your choice. Likewise the faulty door they could sort.